PM to inaugurate model canal in Lalmonirhat on Nov 19

Prime Minister Tareq Rahman is scheduled to visit Lalmonirhat on November 19 to inaugurate a 15-kilometer-long 'model canal.' In preparation for this, Asadul Habib Dulu, Minister of Disaster Management and Relief, inspected the canal on Thursday afternoon in the Mondolerhat area of Gokunda Union, located in Lalmonirhat Sadar Upazila.

Speaking to journalists after the inspection, the Minister explained that, in line with the election manifesto, an initiative has been launched to re-excavate abandoned canals across the country. This year, 30 such 'model canals' have been identified in eight districts, with the Mahendranagar Canal in Lalmonirhat being one of them. The Prime Minister will officially inaugurate this canal excavation program on November 19.

The Minister further noted that the canal will serve multiple purposes beyond water drainage and conservation. Plans include planting trees along both banks and utilizing the canal for fish farming and duck rearing. Additionally, the local ultra-poor population will be involved in these activities through cooperative societies, organized into groups of 20, which will help ensure the canal's maintenance while creating employment opportunities for the local community.

Stretching approximately 15 kilometers, the canal begins at Mahendranagar and eventually joins the Teesta River. During his visit, in addition to inaugurating the canal, the Prime Minister is also scheduled to visit an aviation university, review the activities of the 'Alokito Lalmonirhat' (Enlightened Lalmonirhat) social movement, and inaugurate a disaster-resilient house constructed under the auspices of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief.

Present during the visit were several administrative officials, including Deputy Commissioner Muha. Rashedul Haque Prodhan, Superintendent of Police Asaduzzaman, District Council Administrator A.K.M. Mominul Haque, Sadar Upazila Executive Officer Mononita Das, and District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer Abdul Matin.

-    MS/NS